First up is Colon, who drew the assignment simply because he pitched in the Dominican winter league.

Colon, who last pitched in the big leagues in 2008, starts today against the Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Though Girardi downplayed how much can be gleaned from today’s outing, know this: Every move the candidates have made since reporting to camp has been eyeballed. Running drills, conditioning drills, bullpen and batting practice sessions and fielding practice have all been cataloged.

Now live batters will tell the next tale.

“I think it’s unfair to go off a lot of what you see early on,” Girardi said. “You have to be patient because guys are getting into shape. Guys may not have the arm strength they might have [later]. Their stuff should improve, but obviously you are going to watch how though.”

Though Hank Steinbrenner won’t be involved in the final decision, what he is hearing from the talent evaluators certainly paints Nova in a positive light.

“Our baseball people love Nova,” Steinbrenner has said multiple times this week.

From the first day of camp, Nova has been the favorite for a number of reasons. His stuff is legitimate and he worked 10 big league games for Girardi last year, going 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA.

“I think he has the pitches to win here,” pitching coach Larry Rothschild said of the 24-year-old right-hander. “Like a lot of young pitchers he has to determine if he belongs. If consistent, he will win a lot of games for us.”

Freddy Garcia, a 12-game winner last year for the White Sox, is the second favorite. The 34-year-old right-hander starts Thursday.

Colon and Mitre don’t have the stuff neophytes Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances have, but they are 21 and 20 respectively and have a combined six games above Single-A.

Colon, whose weight (he says he is 267 pounds) has always been an issue, has made 19 starts since 2008, due to shoulder problems.

“I remember what he was like and I remember how good he was,” Girardi said of the 37-year-old Colon, who will be limited to two innings or 35 pitches. “I am very curious.”

Rothschild is interested to see what Colon has left.

“We will see where his stuff is,” the pitching coach said. “His location is good and he has good movement. I am sure his stuff will improve during the games.”

Mitre, who isn’t listed as a starter for the first six games, can start or relieve. Therefore his spot among Girardi’s 12-man rotation is seemingly secure.

Girardi and Rothschild have devised a schedule in which all the arms will receive enough work to be fairly evaluated.

“Everyone will get plenty of innings to try and earn their spots,” Girardi said.